Italian Phrase
Che programmi hai per il weekend?
Meaning
This phrase is a common and informal way to ask someone about their plans for the upcoming weekend. It directly translates to "What programs do you have for the weekend?" but "programs" here means "plans" or "activities."
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to casually inquire about a friend's, colleague's, or acquaintance's weekend activities. It's suitable for informal settings and is a great conversation starter on a Friday or Thursday afternoon.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cheprogrammihaiperilweekend
Che
'Che' is an interrogative adjective meaning 'what' or 'which'. It's used here to ask about the nature or type of plans.
programmi
This is the plural of 'programma' (program/plan). In this context, it specifically refers to activities or plans for leisure time.
hai
This is the second-person singular conjugation of the verb 'avere' (to have). It directly translates to 'you have'.
per
'Per' is a preposition meaning 'for'. It indicates the purpose or duration of the plans.
il weekend
'Il weekend' is a common anglicism used in Italian, meaning 'the weekend'. It's widely understood and used in everyday conversation.
🗨In Conversation
Ciao Marco! Che programmi hai per il weekend?
Hi Marco! What plans do you have for the weekend?
Ciao! Vado a trovare i miei genitori in campagna. E tu?
Hi! I'm going to visit my parents in the countryside. And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Quali piani hai per il weekend?
While 'piani' means 'plans', 'programmi' is much more natural and common in Italian for weekend activities. 'Piani' is often used for more formal or long-term plans.
Cosa fai per il weekend?
This is grammatically correct but less specific. 'Che programmi hai?' directly asks about their planned activities, whereas 'Cosa fai?' is more general and could imply 'What are you doing right now?' if not for the 'per il weekend' context.
↔Alternatives
Cosa farai questo weekend?
What will you do this weekend?
Hai già dei piani per il fine settimana?
Do you already have plans for the weekend?
Come passerai il weekend?
How will you spend the weekend?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, weekends are often a time for family, friends, good food, and relaxation. Asking about weekend plans is a very common social interaction, especially on Fridays. Italians might travel to visit relatives, go to the beach or mountains, or simply enjoy a long meal with loved ones. Don't be surprised if the answer involves food!